Which McDonald's slogan, introduced in 1971, said customers “deserve a break”?

“You Deserve a Break Today” was the McDonald's slogan introduced in 1971 that said customers “deserve a break.”

The campaign presented a McDonald's visit as a deserved pause from work, household duties, or everyday pressure. Its wording made the customer the focus and connected the restaurant with convenience, relaxation, and a small reward rather than only with speed or low prices.

The slogan became especially famous through a memorable jingle. Advertising historians frequently rank the campaign among the most recognizable fast-food commercials of the twentieth century, and the phrase remained associated with McDonald's branding long after the campaign ended.

It is sometimes confused with Burger King's “Have It Your Way,” which was also a major fast-food slogan. The two campaigns expressed different ideas: McDonald's emphasized taking a break, while Burger King emphasized customization.